Everton extend Tim Howard's contract by two more years

Everton's goalkeeper Tim Howard has already kept two more clean sheets than he did in 2012-13. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Everton have rewarded Tim Howard for his commanding form with a two-year contract extension that will keep the USA goalkeeper at Goodison Park until he is 39.

The 35-year-old would have had two years remaining on his current deal at the end of this campaign but his form and fitness have prompted Roberto Martínez to sign the goalkeeper on an extended deal until 2018. Howard, who initially joined Everton on loan from Manchester United before completing a permanent £3m transfer in February 2007, would spend 12 years at Goodison should he complete the new contract.

Everton's Champions League aspirations were dealt a major setback on Wednesday with a surprise home defeat to Crystal Palace but Martínez has overseen the club's record Premier League points tally in his first season as manager. Howard has been a key figure in the push for a top-four finish, responding impressively to the summer signing of Joel Robles from Atlético Madrid and improving on last season's form.

"He has been vital to our overall achievements," the Everton manager said. "It's not just about his performances. As a goalkeeper, you have a big say about what happens in your own goal and to keep the amount of clean sheets that we have this season – which is already two more than last season when we had very good numbers defensively – is impressive.

"Then you see his human values and the way he affects youngsters; he is the perfect role model for our football club. We have a good group of young goalkeepers who can follow that sort of example and that is why it's so significant he has agreed to stay with Everton for a long, long period."

Howard has made 343 appearances for Everton, scoring once, and Martínez insisted he had no reservations about handing a 35-year-old a four-year contract. The goalkeeper follows Sylvain Distin in extending his career at Goodison, the French defender having committed to another season in January, and Everton are also looking to tie Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy to new deals this summer.

Martínez added: "Being a goalkeeper is not like being an outfield player. It is a sport within a sport. Tim is a very fit 35-year-old and as a goalkeeper you probably develop the best years of your career in your 30s because you can anticipate things, dominate your area and control the players in front of you. It is a very good age for Tim and I know he will play on beyond 40. He is a fit man and at the peak of his powers.

"He is a unique role model. Just to be a foreign goalkeeper with international experience, being a legend back home, then coming to the British game and playing over 10 seasons, that is remarkable. To do it in the manner he has done, always reliable, always accumulating incredible numbers, is phenomenal."

Sign up for the Guardian Today

Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.